System and methods for adaptively switching a mobile device&#39;s mode of operation

ABSTRACT

A system and methods are provided whereby a user of a mobile device can adaptively switch the mobile device from speakerphone mode to handset mode without needing to look at the mobile device or without the need to activate a button or key sequence. In a preferred embodiment, modules are provided in the mobile device which allow for the detection of a voice conversation, the sampling of the user&#39;s voice and the switching between the two modes of operation. If the user&#39;s voice volume is above a certain threshold the mobile device operates in handset mode. If the user&#39;s voice volume is below a certain threshold the mobile device operates in handset mode. Through the inclusion of the embodiments described herein, a mobile device can allow a user to safely and quickly switch from one mode of operation to the other without a requirement for additional hardware in the mobile device.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/378,364 filed Mar. 20, 2006.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention relates to the field of mobile communications andparticularly to a system and methods for adaptively switching a mobiledevice's mode of operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellulartelephones and smartphones, for example, often provide a user with theability to carry out voice conversations with other parties. Thesemobile devices provide a user with a voice conversation experience muchlike that of traditional, land line telephones. However, the fact thatmobile device are in fact mobile or portable gives rise to certain newscenarios during which a voice conversation can be effectuated. Forexample, while driving a car, a user of a mobile device may receive atelephone call on their mobile device. Another example is that a usermay bring their mobile device to their place of employment and receivepersonal telephone calls on their mobile device while at work.

Mobile devices are becoming increasingly feature rich as manufacturerstry to attract the attention of increasingly discerning consumers. Onesuch feature which is becoming more popular is the ability for a mobiledevice to enable voice conversations to be carried out using aspeakerphone. In a voice conversation carried out using a speakerphone,the user of the mobile device does not need to hold the mobile device totheir ear. The user's voice is captured by a microphone and the voice ofthe person at the other end of the conversation is relayed to the userusing a speaker. Mobile devices featuring speakerphone ability allow theuser to manually switch between traditional or handset mode (holding themobile device up to one's ear, as with traditional land line telephones)and speakerphone mode. The switch between the two modes (handset modeand speakerphone mode) is traditionally carried out by, for example, theuser's selection of a menu item on the screen of the mobile device orthe user's activation of a predefined button or key sequence.

A user is therefore required to manually interact with the mobile devicein order to switch between handset mode and speakerphone mode. Thismanual interaction requires a mobile device's user to look at the mobiledevice and may take a few seconds to execute.

A variety of solutions to this problem have been proposed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,151 to Donald J Bowen et al. is entitled “AutomaticHandset-Speakerphone Switching Arrangement for Portable CommunicationDevice” (the '151 patent). In the '151 patent, a portable communicationdevice (mobile device) is disclosed which automatically transitionsbetween a handset mode and a speakerphone mode based on a continuousdistance measurement between the handset audio output device and theuser's ear. This distance measurement is determined by an infrared rangedetection unit or other distance determination methods such as acousticecho return systems built into the handset. However, the solutiondisclosed in the '151 patent requires that a distance measuring systembe added to a mobile device. The '151 patent is predicated on a mobiledevice sending an output signal and waiting to receive that outputsignal back as an input signal in order to measure distance. The '151patent discloses a system which may not work if the user of the mobiledevice were to place the mobile device in their pocket or in a holderfor example, as the distance measurement could become innacurate.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,828B1 to Lands et al. is entitled “CommunicationsDevices and Methods that Operate According to Communications DeviceOrientations Determined by Reference to Gravitational Sensors” (the '828patent). The '828 patent discloses that a mode of operation of acommunications device transitions from the selected speakerphone mode tohandset mode of operation based on movement of the communications devicefrom a first orientation (eg. Vertical) to a second orientation (eg.Horizontal). The system disclosed requires that a gravitational sensorbe added to a mobile device, increasing both the complexity and cost ofthe mobile device. Further, the system may not work as desired if theuser would like to use speakerphone mode when their mobile device is notlying flat, when the mobile device is in a holder for example.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,911 to Ju-Won Her is entitled “Method and System forAutomatically Activating and Deactivating Speakerphone” (the '911patent). In the '911 patent is disclosed a system where a proximitysensor is used to determine if a phone call should be commenced inspeakerphone mode. The embodiment disclosed includes commerciallyavailable infrared sensors to sense the presence or absence of thesubscriber in the predetermined proximity zone. The '911 patent requiresthe use of an external proximity detection system attached to a user andis not geared towards a mobile device.

There is a need for an improved mobile device which allows a user toautomatically switch between handset mode and speakerphone mode whichovercomes some of the limitations presented by prior attempts to solvethis problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention by wayof example only. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment in which a system and method inaccordance with a preferred embodiment may be practiced;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary mobile device in which a system and method inaccordance with a preferred embodiment may be practiced;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary method in accordance witha preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary training method inaccordance with a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the invention provide for a system and methodswherein a mobile device is capable of automatically alternating a voiceconversation between handset mode and speakerphone mode so that themobile device's user does not need to look at the mobile device and doesnot need to activate a button or key sequence to switch between the twomodes of operation.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method foradaptively switching a mode of operation of a mobile device, the methodcomprising detecting at the mobile device a voice conversation, samplinga user's voice during the voice conversation and selectively switchingthe mode of operation of the mobile device based on said sampling of theuser's voice.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile devicecapable of adaptively switching its mode of operation, the mobile devicecomprising a detecting module adapted to detect a voice conversation, asampling module adapted to sample a user's voice during the detectedvoice conversation and a mode of operation module adapted to selectivelyswitch the mobile device's mode of operation based on said sampling ofthe user's voice.

One advantage of the invention is to allow a user of a mobile device toautomatically switch between speakerphone mode and handset mode withoutthe requirement of adding an infrared sensor or gravitational sensor toa mobile device.

Another advantage of the invention is to allow a user of a mobile deviceto automatically switch between speakerphone mode and handset modeirrespective of where the mobile device is placed and how it isoriented.

Other advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the drawings.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numeralsrefer to like parts.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment in which a communication system 100in accordance with a preferred embodiment may be practiced. Theexemplary communication system 100 includes a plurality of voiceconversation capable devices. The voice conversation capable devicesinclude land line telephone 104, internet telephone 106 and mobiledevices 120 and 122.

Land line telephone 104 is any type of traditional telephone, capableonly of voice conversation. Land line telephone 104 is capable ofcarrying out voice conversations with other voice capable telephones anddevices through communication with a Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN) 108.

Internet telephone 106 includes any telephone or telephone like devicecapable of voice conversations over the internet. Internet telephone 106includes voice over IP capable devices for example. Internet phone 106is capable of carrying out voice conversations with other voice capabletelephones and devices through communication with the Internet 124.

Mobile devices 120 and 122 are any mobile device and could include, forexample, two-way communication devices, possibly with advanced datacommunication capabilities. Mobile devices 120 and 122 also have thecapability to allow voice conversations with other voice capabledevices, such as another one of mobile devices 120 and 122, traditionalland line telephone 104 and internet telephone 106 through communicationwith the respective one of base station 116 and 118 and wireless network110 and 112.

Depending on the functionality provided, mobile devices 120 and 122 maybe referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellulartelephone, a wireless Internet appliance, a PDA or a smartphone. Thepreceding list is not meant to be exhaustive; the embodiments describedherein can be practiced with any type of mobile device or portabletelephone capable of carrying out voice conversations and havingspeakerphone capabilities, whether listed above or not.

The architecture of mobile devices 120 and 122 of FIG. 1 can be seen ingreater detail in FIG. 2 which is a detailed view of mobile device 122,but is equally applicable to mobile device 120. Mobile device 122contains a microprocessor 238, a radio 211, an information storage means224, a microphone 236, a speaker 234 and at least one software module orprogram adapted to perform tasks (260, 262 and 264 for example). In apreferred embodiment, microphone 236 and speaker 234 may comprisemultiple instances of microphone 236 and speaker 234 each instanceadapted to function in one of handset mode or speakerphone mode. Inanother preferred embodiment, microphone 236 and speaker 234 are adaptedto function in one of handset mode or speakerphone mode by varying thesensitivity and volume of microphone 236 and speaker 234 respectively.

Mobile device 122 is capable of communication with base station 118through the use of radio 211. Radio 211 is capable of voicecommunication, but could also be capable of data communications.Microprocessor 238 directs the use of the radio and is responsible forcoordinating the overall operation of mobile device 122. Interfaceelements: microphone 236, speaker 234, keyboard 232 and display 230 areall capable either of receiving a user's input, such as key presses orvoice input, or providing a user with output, such as displaying visualelements or generating sound output. Mobile device 122 is capable ofeffectuating a voice conversation in one of two modes: handset mode andspeakerphone mode in which different ones of speaker 234 and microphone236 may be used. RAM 226 is capable of storing quickly accessible datafor the microprocessor, such as processor instructions or data values.Flash memory 224 contains the long term information required by mobiledevice 122. This long term information includes programs 258 whichinclude modules 260, 262 and 264 which are adapted to execute inmicroprocessor 238 and comprise binary code or computer executableinstructions for example.

In a preferred embodiment mobile device 122 contains, in programs 258,three modules; a detecting module 260, a sampling module 262 and a modeof operation module 264. Modules 260, 262 and 264 could be separatemodules or could be portions of a larger module for example.

Detecting module 260 is adapted to detect if a voice conversation isbeing carried out by a user of mobile device 122. Detecting module 260detects that a voice conversation is being carried out, or about to beinitiated by, preferably, checking a status value stored in RAM 226 bymicroprocessor. Detecting module 260 can use other means for detectingthe existence of a voice conversation by, for example, checking a valuestored in flash memory 224 or querying about the current status of radio211 or monitoring user interaction with mobile device 122. The method inwhich detecting module 260 detects a voice conversation can be anymethod which can reliably allow the detecting module 260 to detect thata voice conversation is being effectuated at mobile device 122.

Detecting module 260 is further adapted to detect that a voiceconversation is about to be initiated so that sampling module 262 mayacquire samples prior to the voice conversation commencing to, forexample, establish the ambient or background noise level. Detectingmodule 260 detects that a voice conversation is about to be initiatedby, for example, monitoring the status of radio 211 or by checking astatus value stored in RAM 226.

Sampling module 262 is adapted to sample a user's voice during a voiceconversation or immediately prior to a voice conversation commencing.

In a first embodiment sampling module 262 is adapted to commencesampling the voice of a user of mobile device 122 upon detection of avoice conversation by detecting module 260. Sampling module 262 isadapted to determine periodic sample characteristics of a user's voice,such as the user's voice volume, frequency or other characteristics ofthe user's voice for example, in cooperation with microphone 236.Sampling module 262 is capable of generating a value based on thesamples taken, the value being used for determining whether the user isholding mobile device 122 to their ear, or whether the user has placedmobile device 122 away from their ear for example. If the user isholding mobile device 122 to their ear, the volume of the user's voice,as sampled by sampling module 262, will be above a determined thresholdvalue due to the proximity of mobile device 122 (and microphone 236) tothe source of the user's voice. If the user has placed mobile device 122away from their ear, mobile device 122 (and microphone 236) will befurther from the source of the user's voice, and will be sampled at avolume level below a determined threshold value. The threshold value ispreferably determined prior to detecting module 260 detecting a voiceconversation through the execution of a training session by a trainingmodule (not shown) but alternatively could be determined during thevoice conversation. Sampling module 262 is preferably adapted todetermine whether or not the user of mobile device 122 is currentlyspeaking so that samples wherein the user is not speaking can befiltered out. Sampling module 262 is preferably adapted to recognize theexistence of user speech through the execution of a training session. Inone embodiment, sampling module 262 is adapted to recognize a particularuser's voice frequency pattern and will filter out samples which do notinclude the user's voice frequency pattern. In a similar manner, whitenoise or dead time during which the user is not speaking, will not beconsidered as samples by sampling module 262, effectively filteringthese samples out, improving the ability of mobile device 122 toadaptively switch between handset mode and speakerphone mode. In anotherembodiment, sampling module 262 is further adapted to not acquiresamples while speaker 234 is generating sound. If multiple users use thesame mobile device 122, mobile device 122 determines which user iscurrently using mobile device 122 (by user log in, or voicecharacteristics for example) and filters samples according to thatuser's profile.

In a second embodiment sampling module 262 is adapted to commencesampling immediately prior to the commencement of a voice conversation.The samples taken prior to the commencement of a voice conversation areused to assess the ambient or background noise level. As will be furtherdescribed below, the ambient noise level is used to vary a thresholdvalue to ensure that the mode of operation module 264 determines theproper mode of operation for mobile device 122.

Mode of operation module 264 is adapted to switch the mode of operationof mobile device 122 based upon the samples taken by sampling module 262and a threshold value or values. If a sample provided by sampling module262 is, for example, of a volume level below the threshold value, themode of operation module ensures that mobile device 122 operates inspeakerphone mode. If a sample provided by sampling module 262 is of avolume level above the threshold value, the mode of operation moduleensures that mobile device 122 operates in handset mode. Switchingbetween speakerphone mode and handset mode requires mode of operationmodule 264 to notify the appropriate resources, a phone call operationmodule for example, so that the appropriate actions can be taken toproperly switch between speakerphone mode and handset mode. In oneembodiment, switching from speakerphone mode to handset mode includesturning off the speakerphone speaker 234 and speakerphone microphone 236and turning on the handset speaker 234 and handset microphone 236. Inanother embodiment, switching from speakerphone mode to handset modeincludes turning off the speakerphone speaker 234 and turning on thehandset speaker 234. In yet another embodiment, switching from handsetmode to speakerphone mode includes turning off the handset speaker 234and handset microphone 236 and turning on the speakerphone speaker 234and speakerphone microphone 236. In yet another embodiment, switchingfrom handset mode to speakerphone mode includes turning off the handsetspeaker 234 and turning on the speakerphone speaker 234. It is to beunderstood that “turning off” includes turning the physical device offor ceasing to operate in a specific mode of operation for example. It isalso to be understood that “turning on” includes turning the physicaldevice on or commencing to operate in a specific mode of operation forexample.

Mode of operation module 264 also provides the user of mobile device 122with the ability to lock mobile device 122 in a desired mode ofoperation. By selecting the lock option, a user tells mode of operationmodule 264 that the user does not want mobile device 122 to alternatebetween handset mode and speakerphone mode regardless of sample inputprovided by sampling module 262.

Mode of operation module 264 is further adapted to determine an initialmode of operation upon initiation of a voice conversation. The initialmode of operation is determined by mode of operation module 264 in oneof a number of ways. For example, the user selects a default mode ofoperation and mode of operation module 264 behaves according to theuser's default selection when initiating a voice conversation. Asanother example, mode of operation module 264 stores which mode ofoperation was effectuated during the most recent voice conversation andmode of operation module 264 initiates a new voice conversation usingthis same mode of operation. As yet another example, sampling module 262takes a sample of the user's voice at the start of the voiceconversation. Before the voice conversation call is answered by theintended participant of the voice conversation, the user of mobiledevice 122 provides a sample of their voice, by, for example saying theword “speakerphone” or “handset”. In this example, sampling module 262acquires a sample of the user's voice and mode of operation module 264sets the proper mode of operation based on the sample.

Mode of operation module 264 is further adapted to determine the mode ofoperation of mobile device 122 using parameters derived from the samplestaken by sampling module 262 immediately prior to commencement of avoice conversation. For example, if the ambient noise detected bysampling module 262 is very loud, mode of operation module 264 willraise the value of the threshold to compensate for the likely increasedvolume of the user's voice and loud background noise. In this example,mode of operation module 264 will increase the threshold by a parameterdetermined based upon the value of the ambient noise volume level,ensuring that the differential between when a user is holding mobiledevice 122 to their ear and when the user is holding mobile device 122away from their ear is determinable using the threshold. Situationsexist where a voice conversation is effectuated and the ambient noiselevel is too great for mode of operation module 264 to properlydetermine in which mode of operation mobile device 122 is to function asa result of microphone 236 being unable to separate the voice of theuser of mobile device 122 from the ambient noise. In such a situation anotification will be presented to the user of mobile device 122, forexample a visual cue such as a display message or the flashing of alight attached to auxiliary I/O 228 or an audio cue, to indicate to theuser that a predetermined mode of operation will be used and mode ofoperation module 264 will not automatically alternate the mode ofoperation of mobile device 122 for the duration of the voiceconversation.

The training module (not shown) is also included in programs 258. Oncethe training module is initiated, the training module determines athreshold by first taking a sample of the user's voice volume while theuser is holding mobile device 122 to their ear and by secondly takinganother sample of the user's voice volume while the user has placedmobile device 122 away from their ear. The training module preferablyprovides the user with instructions and feedback using both display 222and speaker 234. In another embodiment, multiple samples are taken,possibly in different environments, allowing the training module todetermine a more versatile threshold, or set of threshold values.

The threshold (not shown) is preferably determined by the trainingmodule and can be, for example, a single value or two values. Thethreshold is used to determine in which mode of operation mobile device122 operates. A given sample taken by sampling module 262 is compared tothe threshold to determine if the sample is above, below or at thethreshold.

In the case where the threshold is a single value, X for example, asample (as taken by sampling module 262) is said to be above thethreshold if the sample has a value of X+n where n is greater than zero,a sample is said to be below the threshold if the sample has a value ofX+n where n is less than zero and a sample is said to be at thethreshold if the sample has a value of X.

In the case the threshold is two values, we can say that the lower limitof the threshold is X and the upper limit of the threshold is X+n wheren is greater than zero, any sample whose value falls within the rangedefined by X to X+n is determined to be at the threshold. Samples whosevalues are at the threshold are inconclusive and will be filtered bysampling module 262 in a manner similar to white noise or dead time asdescribed above and the mode of operation of mobile device 122 is notchanged. In a preferred embodiment a sample's value is representative ofthe measured volume of a user's voice.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary method in accordance witha preferred embodiment. The method begins at step 300 where a voiceconversation is detected at mobile device 122. In step 305 a sample ofthe user's voice is taken, preferably by measuring the level of volumedetected by microphone 236. Step 305 will filter out undesirable samplesas described in the description of sampling module 262 above. In step310, a determination is made as to whether the sample taken in step 305is different from a previous sample taken in a previous iteration ofstep 305. Step 310 determines that a sample is different if the sampleis on the other side of the threshold from a previous sample, or if thisis the first sample taken at step 305 during the voice conversationdetected in step 300. If step 310 determines that the sample taken instep 305 is not different, the method returns to step 305 to takeanother sample. A suitable delay is used between repeated executions ofstep 305, 0.5 seconds or 1 second for example. If step 310 determinesthat the sample taken in step 305 is different, the method moves to step315 where a determination is made as to whether the sample from step 305is above or below the threshold. If the sample is above the threshold,step 320 activates handset mode at mobile device 122. If the sample isbelow the threshold, step 325 activates speakerphone mode at mobiledevice 122. After execution of step 320 or 325, the method returns tostep 305 where another sample of the user's voice will be taken after ashort delay. Through the execution of this method, mobile device 122 isable to adaptively operate in the mode of operation which is consistentwith the user's current desired mode of operation.

In another preferred embodiment, step 305 will acquire multiple samplesof the user's voice during a consecutive period of time, 3 samples in1.5 seconds for example. Step 310 will evaluate the samples to determinethe trend in the user's voice. Continuing with the example of step 305providing 3 samples in 1.5 seconds and where mobile device 122 iscurrently operating in speakerphone mode. If the first sample is abovethe threshold, the second sample is below the threshold and the thirdsample is above the threshold step 310 will determine that, based on thetrend of the three samples, the user's voice is on a different side ofthe thresholds. Continuing with this example, step 315 will determinethat the average of the three samples is above the threshold and step320 will activate handset mode.

It is to be understood that other configurations of the method describedby FIG. 3 are possible. For example, step 310 could be removed from themethod, step 305 would provide a sample directly to step 315 which wouldmake the determination as to whether the sample is above or below thethreshold. As another example, step 305 could acquire 2 samples in 1second or 4 samples in 1 second.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary training method inaccordance with a preferred embodiment. The method begins at step 400where a training session is initiated at mobile device 122. The trainingsession is preferably initiated by the user of mobile device 122, uponactivation or by effectuating the training session from a menu or othersimilar display item. In another embodiment, the training session isinitiated by mobile device 122 during an initial setup procedure. Uponinitiation of the training session at step 400, mobile device 122provides some instruction to the user of mobile device 122 regarding howthe training session is to proceed; this is accomplished through the useof display 222 and/or speaker 234. In step 405 the user is asked toplace mobile device 122 to their ear and to speak in a normal manner.Step 410 is designed to simulate a user's typical use of mobile device122 in handset mode. Step 410 is activated preferably by the user ofmobile device 122 activating a button on keyboard 232 or by theactivation of another button on mobile device 122. In anotherembodiment, step 410 is activated after a suitable delay from presentinginstructions to the user in step 405 or once microphone 236 receivesinput indicative that the user has begun talking. At step 410 samplingmodule 262 takes a sample of the user's voice and notes the volume ofthe user's voice. It should be understood that step 410 can be repeateda number of times for greater accuracy by averaging the volume level ofall samples taken. Upon collection of the required number of samples,mobile device 122 will notify the user, preferably using an audiblenoise from speaker 234, that step 410 is complete. In step 415 the useris asked to place mobile device 122 away from their ear and to speak ina normal manner. Step 420 is designed to simulate a user's typical useof mobile device 122 in handset mode. At Step 420 is activatedpreferably by the user of mobile device 122 activating a button onkeyboard 232 or by the activation of another button on mobile device122. In another embodiment, step 420 is activated after a suitable delayfrom presenting instructions to the user in step 415 or once microphone236 receives input indicative that the user has begun talking. At step420 sampling module 420 takes a sample of the user's voice and notes thevolume of the user's voice. It should be understood that step 420 can berepeated a number of times for greater accuracy by averaging the volumelevel of all samples taken. Upon collection of the required number ofsamples, mobile device 122 will notify the user, preferably using anaudible noise from speaker 234, that step 420 is complete. At step 425the threshold to be used in the method described in FIG. 3 isdetermined. Based on the volume levels (or average volume levels)acquired during steps 410 and 420, mobile device 122 is capable ofdetermining a threshold above which handset mode should be used andbelow which speakerphone should be used. A preferred embodimentdetermines the threshold to be the half way point between the volumelevel (or average volume level) acquired at step 410 and the volumelevel (or average volume level) acquired at step 420. In anotherembodiment the threshold is determined to be closer to the volume level(or average volume level) acquired at step 420 than volume level (oraverage volume level) acquired at step 410 to compensate for ambientnoise.

It is to be understood that other configurations of the method describedby FIG. 4 are possible. For example, step 405 and 410 could be switchedwith steps 415 and 420 to achieve the desired resultant threshold value.

In another embodiment, the user of mobile device 122 can initiate atraining session wherein the user manually indicates to mobile device122 which mode the device should be operating in at a given moment. Forexample, the user could hold mobile device 122 away from their ear whilespeaking and the user could inform mobile device 122, through anysuitable input means, that mobile device 122 should record the currentlevel of voice volume as requiring speakerphone mode.

In yet another embodiment, the user of mobile device 122 can test howmobile device 122 switches between handset mode and speakerphone mode.During a test, the user of mobile device 122 can move themselves ormobile device 122 while talking, to see which mode mobile device 122selects. Should mobile device 122 not select the appropriate mode ofoperation, the user can retrain mobile device 122.

In even yet another embodiment, the training session passively collectssamples during normal use of mobile device 122 for voice conversations.The passive sampling data are stored for use by mobile device 122 if andwhen the user decides to have mobile device 122 adaptively switch itsmode of operation.

It is also to be understood that mobile device 122 could be used bymultiple users. In this embodiment, mobile device 122 stores thresholdvalues for each of the multiple users and uses the proper thresholdvalue depending on the user who is currently using the device. Mobiledevice 122 determines which user is using a device based on log incredentials supplied by the user or by determining which user iscurrently using the device based on attributes of samples of the user'svoice for example.

The invention has been illustrated by means of a description of a numberof embodiments. These are not intended to be limiting examples. It willbe obvious to one skilled in the art that variations and modificationsmay be made without departing from the sprit of the invention or thescope of the appended claims.

The present disclosure further includes the following clauses.

-   1. A method for adaptively switching a mode of operation of a mobile    device, the method comprising:    -   detecting at the mobile device a voice conversation;    -   sampling a user's voice during the voice conversation to produce        at least one sample of the user's voice; and    -   selectively switching the mode of operation of the mobile device        based on said sampling of the user's voice.-   2. The method of clause 1 wherein the step of sampling further    includes filtering out undesirable samples.-   3. The method of clause 1 wherein the at least one sample is at    least one volume sample.-   4. The method of clause 1 wherein the at least one sample is at    least one frequency sample.-   5. The method of clause 1 wherein the step of sampling comprises    measuring the volume of the user's voice.-   6. The method of clause 1 further comprising the step of training    the mobile device to determine a threshold.-   7. The method of clause 1 further comprising, prior to detecting the    voice conversation, the step of training the mobile device to    determine a threshold.-   8. The method of clause 6 wherein the step of training comprises the    steps of:    -   sampling the user's voice while the user is holding the mobile        device to their ear and the user is talking; and    -   sampling the user's voice while the user is not holding the        mobile device to their ear and the user is talking.-   9. The method of clause 7 wherein the step of training comprises the    steps of:    -   sampling the user's voice while the user is holding the mobile        device to their ear and the user is talking; and    -   sampling the user's voice while the user is not holding the        mobile device to their ear and the user is talking.-   10. The method of clause 3 wherein the step of selectively switching    the mode of operation comprises:    -   if the at least one volume sample is above a volume threshold,        setting the mode of operation to handset mode; and    -   if the at least one volume sample is below the volume threshold,        setting the mode of operation to speakerphone mode.-   11. The method of clause 3 wherein the step of selectively switching    the mode of operation comprises:    -   if an average volume level of the at least one volume sample is        above a volume threshold, setting the mode of operation to        handset mode; and    -   if the average volume level of the at least one volume sample is        below the volume threshold, setting the mode of operation to        speakerphone mode.-   12. A mobile device capable of adaptively switching its mode of    operation, the mobile device comprising:    -   a detecting module adapted to detect a voice conversation;    -   a sampling module adapted to sample a user's voice during the        detected voice conversation; and    -   a mode of operation module adapted to selectively switch the        mobile device's mode of operation based on said sampling of the        user's voice.-   13. The mobile device of clause 12 wherein the sampling module    samples ambient noise prior to commencement of the voice    conversation.-   14. The mobile device of clause 12 further comprising a threshold    value wherein the mode of operation module compares the sampling of    the user's voice to the threshold value.-   15. The mobile device of clause 14 wherein the ambient noise samples    are used to scale the threshold value.-   16. A method for training a mobile device to adaptively switch a    mode of operation of the mobile device, the method comprising:    -   sampling a first level of input while the mobile device is in a        first mode of operation;    -   sampling a second level of input while the mobile device is in a        second mode of operation; and    -   determining a threshold based on the first level of input and        the second level of input.-   17. The method of clause 16 wherein the method is executed    passively.-   18. The method of clause 16 wherein the method is executed as a    result of user interaction.-   19. The method of clause 16 wherein the step of training is executed    automatically.

We claim:
 1. A method for adaptively switching a mode of operationbetween a speakerphone mode and a handset mode on a mobile device, themethod comprising: detecting at the mobile device that a voiceconversation is being carried out or is about to be initiated; samplingthe voice of a user of the mobile device during the voice conversationto determine a level of at least one characteristic of the user's voice;and selectively switching the mode of operation between the speakerphonemode and the handset mode of the mobile device based on the sampling ofthe user's voice, the switching comprising: turning off a speakerphonespeaker and a speakerphone microphone of the mobile device, and turningon a handset speaker and a handset microphone of the mobile device ifthe at least one voice sample characteristic level is above a thresholdvalue; and turning off a handset speaker and a handset microphone of themobile device, and turning on a speakerphone speaker and a speakerphonemicrophone of the mobile device if the at least one voice samplecharacteristic level is below the threshold value.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one characteristic comprises volume.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the at least one characteristic comprisesfrequency.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the sampling comprisesmeasuring the volume level of the user's voice.
 5. The method of claim 4wherein the threshold value is a volume threshold value.
 6. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: detecting an ambient noise level upondetecting that the voice conversation is about to be initiated.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the threshold value depends on the ambientnoise level.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sampling furtherincludes filtering out undesirable voice samples.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein the detecting utilizes a status value stored at the mobiledevice.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting queries acurrent status of a radio on the mobile device.
 11. The method of claim1, wherein the sampling further comprises determining whether a user ofthe mobile device is currently speaking.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the determining whether a user is speaking utilizes voicecharacteristics of a user.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein theswitching notifies a phone call operation module to switch the mode ofoperation of the mobile device.
 14. A mobile device capable ofadaptively switching its mode of operation between a handset mode and aspeakerphone mode, the mobile device comprising: a detecting moduleadapted to detect that a voice conversation is being carried out or isabout to be initiated; a sampling module configured to sample the voiceof a user of the mobile device during the detected voice conversationand to determine a level of at least one characteristic of the user'svoice; and a mode of operation module adapted to selectively switch themobile device's mode of operation between the handset mode and thespeakerphone mode based on the sampling of the user's voice, the mode ofoperation module adapted to: turning off a speakerphone speaker and aspeakerphone microphone of the mobile device, and turning on a handsetspeaker and a handset microphone of the mobile device if the at leastone voice sample characteristic level is above a threshold value; andturning off a handset speaker and a handset microphone of the mobiledevice, and turning on a speakerphone speaker and a speakerphonemicrophone of the mobile device if the at least one voice samplecharacteristic level is below the threshold value.
 15. The mobile deviceof claim 14, wherein the sampling module is further configured toestablish an ambient noise level prior to commencement of the voiceconversation.
 16. The mobile device of claim 15 wherein the ambientnoise samples are used to scale the threshold value.
 17. The mobiledevice of claim 14, wherein the detecting module is configured toutilize a status value stored at the mobile device.
 18. The mobiledevice of claim 14, wherein the detecting module is configured to querya current status of a radio on the mobile device.
 19. The mobile deviceof claim 14, wherein the sampling module is configured to determinewhether a user of the mobile device is currently speaking.
 20. Themobile device of claim 19, wherein the sampling module is configured toutilize voice characteristics of a user to determine whether a user isspeaking.
 21. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the mode ofoperation module is configured to notify a phone call operation moduleto switch the mode of operation of the mobile device.
 22. The mobiledevice of claim 21, wherein the phone call operation module isconfigured to turn on or to turn off a speakerphone speaker, aspeakerphone microphone, a handset speaker and a handset microphone onthe mobile device.
 23. A tangible computer readable storage mediumstoring a program code which when executed by a processor of a mobiledevice causes the mobile device to: detect at the mobile device that avoice conversation is being carried out or is about to be initiated;sample the voice of a user of the mobile device during the voiceconversation to determine a level of at least one characteristic of theuser's voice; and selectively switch a mode of operation between aspeakerphone mode and a handset mode of the mobile device based on thesampling of the user's voice, the switch comprising: turning off aspeakerphone speaker and a speakerphone microphone of the mobile device,and turning on a handset speaker and a handset microphone of the mobiledevice if the at least one voice sample characteristic level is above athreshold value; and turning off a handset speaker and a handsetmicrophone of the mobile device, and turning on a speakerphone speakerand a speakerphone microphone of the mobile device if the at least onevoice sample characteristic level is below the threshold value.